The United States Office of Education commendably has publicized a list of so-called “degree mills,” institutions which grant academic distinctions without the recipient’s fulfillment of reputable requirements. If the exposure of these practices enhances the worth of sound education, and puts an end to the parading of bogus degrees by a small segment of the American clergy as well as by other persons, it will greatly serve both God and man.
Degree mills either receive fees from “students” on the basis of fraudulent misrepresentation, the government contends, or they enable recipients of such degrees to defraud the public.
Because such racket operations often confer divinity degrees of one kind or another, government leaders are proposing a conference with religious leaders and the Federal trade and justice departments to cope more effectively with violations of the law. The inquiry extends not only to degree mills now operating, but to “alumni” of defunct institutions whose continuing activities constitute a problem. Some schools are entangled in foreign complications also, having moved their operations from the United States to other lands.
That a false scale of values makes degree mills attractive to some ministers is a stark reminder that the depth of sin does not exempt the clergy, for whom pride remains a real temptation. Why do preachers, even if a tiny minority, seek out “bargain counter” degrees? Doubtless important strides in ministerial education have placed some pressure upon candidates lacking opportunity for earned degrees, but in these days of “status seeking” the worship of degrees has gone entirely too far. Degrees do not really tell the measure of a man, except perhaps when they are bogus. Even the criteria used by some evangelical institutions in conferring honorary degrees need to be re-examined. The Christian cause is worthy of sound scholarship and intellectual integrity. To sport a pseudo-doctorate in theology or philosophy, while deploring the false front of human pride from the pulpit, is shameful hypocrisy. The vast majority of ministers who have earned their degrees the honorable way, the hard way, will not only welcome this cleanup of degree mills, but will pity the poor cleric who, seeking a shortcut to academic distinction, actually lowered his stature in the sight of God and brought embarrassment to the Church.
The first list of active degree mills released by the government contains institutions in nine states, offering as many as six degrees, at prices ranging from a “free will offering” to $500. Some have no academic buildings or library; another, with 14 buildings and 10,000 volumes, recommends (but does not require) a year’s residence. The Office of Education has released the following information on institutions offering divinity degrees which it considers “diploma mills:”
ALABAMA: Institute of Metaphysics, 1250 Indiana St., Birmingham 14. President: Joseph Truman Ferguson (President-Archbishop-Founder). Incorporated: August 2, 1947, as tax-exempt, non-profit, religious-educational. Purpose: “To teach Philosophy, Psychology, Metaphysics, Bible, all of which are taught as Metaphysics and/or Scientific Truth …”
Facilities: No information. Faculty and students: No information. Degrees, requirements, costs: Doctor of Psychology (Ps. D), Doctor of Metaphysics (Ms. D), Doctor of Divinity (D.D.), Doctor of Philosophy in Metaphysics (Ph.D.M.); no information re requirements; conferred on “non-commercial basis.”
CALIFORNIA: The Church of Light, P. O. Box 1525, Los Angeles 53. President: Edward Doane. Incorporated: In California, New York, and Canada. Purpose: To teach, practice and disseminate the religion of the stars.
Facilities: 2 houses and 4 lots. Faculty and students: No information. Degrees, requirements, costs: Master of Hermetic Sciences (to member passing successfully all 21 final examinations); “no fee is charged … but in view of the labor of correcting examination papers, the candidate is expected to express his appreciation to the extent he is financially able.”
COLORADO: Burton College and Seminary, 41 Lincoln Avenue, Manitou Springs. President: Fred E. Stemme. Incorporated: Chartered under laws of State of Colorado, incorporated September 17, 1927. Purpose: “To provide courses for busy pastors and Christian leaders thru the Extra-Mural method, with a minimum amount of residence work.”
Facilities: “Administration” building (probably residence of president); Facilities of Hotel Grand View, Manitou Springs, to provide for housing and classes during 11-day 1960 summer seminar. Faculty and students: President Stemme and Dean Douglass (no further information about faculty); 2000 graduates reported in current announcement (“strapping the globe”). Degrees, requirements, costs: The 1956 and the 1957 programs of graduating exercises report the awarding of the following degrees: Bachelor of Theology, 4 (1956), 9, (1957); Bachelor of Arts, 0, 8; Bachelor of Science (in Education), 1, 0; Master of Arts, 3, 0; Master of Theology, 3, 10; Master of Christian Education, 0, 1; Doctor of Theology, 20, 24; Doctor of Education, 1, 0; Doctor of Philosophy, 5, 8. Costs depend upon number of “semester hours” of work to be done. “Ample credit is also allowed for books written, articles of academic value, Educational Tours, Foreign Travel, and any activity which has contributed to one’s intellectual growth.… Ministerial courses for correspondence study from various schools will be considered for credit.… Most of our students will read a text, taking copious notes on same, and then write a manuscript review from the notes.… This is ‘Extra-Mural Recitation.’ … Most texts will carry from four to six semester hours of credit.”
The Divine Science Church and College, 1400 Williams Street, Denver 18. President-Minister: Irwin E. Gregg. Incorporated: Chartered and/or incorporated October 24, 1898, Colorado. Purpose: “To preserve and perpetuate the teachings of Divine Science basic principles.…”
Facilities: 1 building, 1,000 volumes in library. Faculty and students: 9 faculty, 27 students. Degrees, requirements, costs: Divine Science Bachelor (D.S.B.), $150, 9 awarded 1959; 2 residence-2 correspondence courses required, 20 lessons per course. Divine Science Doctor (D.S.D.) awarded as honorary degree “in recognition of outstanding work over a period of years in the cause of Divine Science.” Ordination certificates also.
FLORIDA: American Bible School, 192 North Clark Street, Chicago 1, Illinois; American Divinity School, Pineland, Florida. President: G. W. Hyatt. Incorporated: As tax-exempt in Florida and Illinois. Purpose: “To train ministers, missionaries, and Christian workers for the American Evangelical Christian Churches.”
Facilities: 5 buildings (reported in questionnaire, but accompanying material contains five pictures: American Bible Church and Gra-Mar Boy’s Center in St. Petersburg, Florida, the Ogden Building in Chicago which houses the American Bible School offices, a one-story building at Pala Mar, Florida, labeled as present administration building, and an artist’s sketch of a new administration building “now under construction”). Faculty and students: 12 faculty, 500 students in 1959. Degrees, requirements, costs: Graduate in Theology, Bachelor of Theology, Master of Theology, Doctor of Theology. Questionnaire states requirements of high school graduation for undergraduate work and Bible college or seminary for postgraduate work, but catalog reports that practical experience may be submitted in lieu of entrance credits. Honorary degrees awarded: Doctor of Divinity, Doctor of Literature, Doctor of Laws and Letters, and Doctor of Humanities. Tuition in all courses by donation.
ILLINOIS: American Bible School, 192 North Clark Street, Chicago 1 (see Florida).
College of Universal Truth, 22 E. Jackson Blvd., Suite 1506, Chicago 4. President: The Rev. R. C. Spaulding. Incorporated: Chartered and/or incorporated in Illinois. Purpose “To teach Spiritual Psychology, Metaphysics, Philosophy, and the Bible.”
Facilities: No building, no laboratories, 200 volumes in library. Faculty and students: 10 faculty members, 160 students in 1959. Degrees, requirements, costs: No residence required. Doctor of Metaphysics, $110, 20 awarded 1959, 2 courses; Doctor of Psychology in Metaphysics, $150, 11 awarded, 3 courses; Doctor of Divinity in Metaphysics, $205, 6 awarded, 5 courses; Doctor of Philosophy in Metaphysics, $295, 4 awarded, 7 courses; Doctor of Universal Truth, $350, none awarded in 1959, 8 courses.
Kondora Theosophical Seminary, P.O. Box 718, Chicago 90. Dean of Instruction, Secretary, Treasurer: K. B. Dokas. Incorporated: October 28, 1948, by the Secretary of State of the State of Illinois. Purpose: “To prepare workers for the Religion of Modern Spiritualism” (letter, 2–29–60); “to provide, impart and furnish opportunities for all departments of higher education … the seminary is now offering a residential and home study academic course of instruction to all persons, who may apply and qualify for matriculation leading to academic degrees, providing the student qualifies for same.”
Facilities: Report having purchased land in Florida where seminary will be built and where instruction will begin again in 1963 after suspension in 1961 (to reorganize “coriculum” [sic]). Faculty and students: No information. Degrees: B.A., M. A., B. Ps. Sc. (Bachelor of Psychic Science), M. Ps. Sc., Ps. D., Ms. D., B. D., D. D., Ph. D., and special degrees. The student receives one lesson per week, pays $5 down and $5 per month per subject. The length of program for degrees is not stated. Regarding supervision the catalog states: “At this point may I caution the student that the moment he is enrolled in the seminary for the purpose of unfolding his psychic centers, a cosmic teacher is assigned to him by the eternal ruler to guide him through the course of instruction. He keeps an accurate record of his progress in like manner as a teacher in the academic schools here on earth.”
Pioneer Theological Seminary, 122 Concord Avenue, Rockford. President: No information. Incorporated: State of Illinois (“since 1890”). Purpose: “Providing opportunity to study Theology to people handicapped by age or finances, who cannot return to a resident school.”
Facilities: Undated leaflet received March 4, 1960, reports a disastrous fire which resulted in much loss to institution’s facilities; fund raising campaign in progress. Faculty and students: No information. Degrees, requirements, costs: Th. G., Th. B., Th. M., Th. D., D. S. L. (Doctor of Sacred Literature), and Ph. B. D. (Doctor of Bible Philosophy). Regarding cost, the application carries this statement: I fully understand that in place of the usual tuition, I am to make a contribution of not over $25.00 for books and supplies for the course, and send a free-will offering as I can with lessons during my enrollment. The amount of these contributions are to be governed by my ability to give as God has prospered me.
INDIANA: Central School of Religion, 6030 Lowell Avenue, Indianapolis 19. President: Mr. Carl L. Svensen. Incorporated: Under the laws of State of Indiana, September 23, 1896. Purpose: For teaching by correspondence and for residence study, chiefly religious.
Facilities: No buildings, no laboratories, no library. Faculty and students: 9 faculty, 26 students in 1959. Degrees, requirements, costs: Bachelor of Theology, Master of Theology, Doctor of Theology, and Bachelor of Arts in Religion; Matriculation fee, $2 for undergraduates, $5 for graduates; Tuition, $15 per undergraduate course, $20 per graduate course; diploma, $10. Minimum requirement, 10 units or courses. Course outlines for three courses are furnished: The Intertestamental Period, Social Pathology, and Old Testament Theology. These are individually typed “as students are not numerous and this enables revisions to be made from time to time.” (Note: Text of diploma states that the recipient “is entitled to our highest consideration, together with all rights and privileges usually granted to those advanced to said title and degree, here and elsewhere.” Federal cease and desist order in 1947 resulted in change of name from Central University.)
College of Divine Metaphysics, 2811 North Illinois St., Indianapolis 8, with Eastern United States Branch at Greenwood Lake, New York. President: Ruth M. Hurley. Manager of Eastern Branch: Dr. Dorothy B. Arnheiter. Incorporated: Under the laws of the State of Indiana (formerly in Missouri). Purpose: To aid its students in their … understanding of (psychological and metaphysical) laws and principles.
Facilities: No information. Faculty and students: No information. Degrees, requirements, costs: Doctor of Psychology (Ps.D,), Doctor of Metaphysics (Ms.D.), Doctor of Divinity (D.D.). The catalog lists ten courses ranging from 15 to 53 lessons, and costing from $35 to $125. For two of seven courses the Ps.D. is awarded; for three of the same seven the Ms.D. and the Ps.D.; and for the $120 course and four others, the D.D. is offered.
Trinity College, 325 Bankers Trust Building, Indianapolis 4. President: No information. Secretary: Signature not legible. Incorporated: No information.
Facilities: No information. Faculty and students. No information. Degrees, requirements, costs: Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy, etc. Tuition $195 cash or $50 down and six monthly installments of $27 each. Majors offered in: Accounting, art, biology, business administration, chemistry, economics, engineering (aeronautical, civil, chemical, electrical, general, industrial, mechanical and sanitary), education, English, French, general studies, geology, German, Hebrew, history, Italian, journalism, Latin, literature, mathematics, music, philosophy, physics, political science, psychology (with optional specialty in hypnosis), public health, secretarial studies, sociology, Spanish, theology.
MISSOURI: Neotarian Fellowship, Pickwick Building, Kansas City 6. Offers by correspondence the “degrees” of Doctor of Psychology (Ps. D.), Doctor of Metaphysics (Ms. D.), Doctor of Divinity (D. D.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D.). The “degree” is conferred after a series of lessons by mail, and the time required can be as short as 15 weeks. For most of the “degrees” no formal educational requirements are imposed. A price list, which is not carried in the announcement of courses but on the application form, quotes prices ranging from $100 for the Ps. D. to $250 for the Ph. D.
TEXAS: Four States Cooperative University, Jefferson. President: Mr. Walter Scott McNutt. Incorporated: Chartered and incorporated in Texas. Purpose: To give higher education to high school graduates of the nation.
Facilities: 14 buildings, 3 laboratories, 10,000 volumes in library. Faculty and students: 8 faculty, 30 students. Degrees, requirements, costs: Bachelor of Arts, $25, 36 courses, 10 lessons per course; Bachelor of Science, $25, 36 courses, 10 lessons per course; Master of Arts, $25, 45 courses, 10 lessons per course; Doctor of Philosophy, 1 awarded 1959, $25, 18 courses, 10 lessons per course, thesis. Re residence, the following statement is made: “Not any required but the last year on the campus recommended for the best results.” Fields of study: arts and sciences leading to A. B., B. S., and M. A., and Ph. D. in social studies, philosophy, and psychology.
Texas Theological University, 2800 N. W. 27th Street, Fort Worth 6. President: Mr. E. Bryan Clemens, Pastor, Metropolitan Baptist Church (same address). Incorporated: Secretary of State of State of Texas. Purpose: Religious training.
Facilities: 1 building, 2,000 volumes in library. Faculty and students: 3 faculty, 38 students in 1959. Degrees, requirements, costs: Graduate of Theology, 3 awarded 1959, $110, 1 course of 320 lessons required; Master of Theology, $110, 1 course of 640 lessons required; Doctor of Theology, $110, 1 course of 1,040 lessons required. No residence study required.
VIRGINIA: Belin Memorial University, Route 2, Box 116, Manassas. “American Legion University (in process of formation).” “Chillicothe Business College (renaissance).” Sole proprietor: Mr. Donald E. Hare. Mr. Hare refused to answer questionnaire but reported: “I am issuing all standard degrees with full legal and ecclesiastical [sic] authority. Upon request I shall submit proof of this.… Our methods are entirely informal. We do private tutoring by first class mail and we give suitable recognition when the pupil is prepared. Our standard fee for a doctorate is $500 and our agents get $200.” Enclosed were letters from correspondents thanking Mr. Hare for awarding them the D. D. degree. Letter to prospective student from Mr. Hare reads: “Your work with us will be largely correspondence. But you can get a Professorship right now, to conduct a local Study Group. That is the best way for you to learn” (2–26–60).
STATING THE CASE FOR RELIGION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The relation of religion to public education in America continues to be a live issue. For several years the National Council of Churches has been laboring to draft a document which would state the view of its constituency. An honest effort has been made to secure a comprehensive and representative expression of opinion and a valid consensus. The latest study document issued by the Council shows encouraging improvements over previous drafts.
A Preface has been added which states certain basic theological convictions normative to any credible Christian consideration of the problem. Its thrust is a notable improvement on the NCC’s constitutional statement of belief. It boldly states that the primary task of the church is to proclaim the gospel that the world may believe. It recognizes the fact that Americans are a religious people whose institutions presuppose a Supreme Being. It calls upon the schools to recognize the function of religion in American life and maintain a climate friendly to religion, at the same time assuring every individual the freedom to choose his own beliefs.
Part I, “Some Convictions which Influence our Thinking,” has been strengthened. There is the unequivocal statement that “God is the ultimate reality of the universe … and the source of truth and values.” In its latest form it eliminates a former apologetic for certain theories of “progressive education” and reinforces expressions of principle involved in the relation of religion to education.
The document’s weakness lies in its acceptance of the theory that a pluralistic society determines Christian conscience in the matter of public school policy. Such a syncretistic view leads to compromise on religious and moral standards. A good word about the Judeo-Christian heritage of America appears in Part II but it is weakened by subtle admissions that changing sociological mores may modify standards of morality.
Evangelicals who have doubts about the values of public as against private education will find fault with the idea that Christian teachers should suppress their personal testimony and refrain from leading pupils to Christ, that Bibles or Scripture portions should not be distributed, and a score of similar “compromises” with the principle of “religious freedom.” But it should be clear that such concessions to Protestants would inevitably open the door to proselyting by other religious groups.
All told, the new Study Document is an encouraging advance in the drafting process. We strongly urge that our readers who are interested in the relation of religion to public education request copies for examination. Address, The Secretary of the Committee on Religion and Public Education, National Council of Churches, 475 Riverside Drive, New York 27, New York, enclosing 10 cents in stamps. The Committee will welcome constructive reactions to the present document and suggestions for improvement.
REVOLUTION IN KOREA BRINGS AGONY AND HOPE
Korea, the “Hermit Kingdom” of a past generation, has now become the scene of a revolution so important that our government has been forced to take an unprecedented interest. The State Department has acted with dispatch and clarity, with the result that a major disaster may have been averted.
America has a grave responsibility in Korea. An American president shared in dividing a small, helpless people, just released from over forty years of domination by Japan. Another American president took quick and positive steps to defend South Korea when attacked from the North. A yet-to-be-explained policy led us to fight a war in Korea which we never intended to win, our forces being handicapped by restraints imposed from Washington which even today rankle men who know something of our diplomacy during those trying years.
Standing in the breach with a militant patriotism has been the granite-hard figure of Syngman Rhee. His strong will has been the symbol of a new nation and he is the revered father of modern Korea.
While Korea owes much to Rhee’s determination in recent years she has also been handicapped by his intransigent attitude. His refusal to come to any kind of a workable agreement with Japan has been unrealistic, harmful to his country’s economy and symbolic of his own stubbornness.
More serious have been his growing dictatorial tendencies. The Assembly has become increasingly a rubber stamp in his hands. Legitimate opposition has been crushed again and again until there has been a seething undercurrent of resentment. Not content with certain reelection in March, he permitted (to say the least) repressive measures against the opposition party and its candidates, which fact became an open scandal.
Meanwhile America for strategic reasons has been bolstering the Rhee regime with military, technical and economic assistance; not only as an aid to Korea, but also as a deterrent to Communist expansion in the Far East.
The extremes of Rhee’s repressions have now backfired in a nation-wide series of student demonstrations. The police on a number of occasions have fired into student mobs, killing some 200 and wounding many additional hundreds. The toughness of the Korean character has been demonstrated by the willingness of the students and their professors to come back for more. Rhee’s resignation and the calling of new elections are welcome developments, although riots and violence do not presage early stability, as the tragic murder-suicide of the vice-president-elect and his family indicate.
An ominous note was sounded when Communist students in the northern capital of Pyongyang demonstrated in sympathy with their fellow students in the south. Fortunately, there is no evidence that the movement in south Korea was Communist-inspired, but anyone familiar with Red techniques knows that every effort is being made to take advantage of the unrest south of the 38th parallel and to turn it to their ends.
The present unrest in government is reflected within the Korean Christian church by dissension, schisms and illegal actions. It is to be hoped that Christians will now unite in a leadership which will channel the clamor against repression and dishonest government into a constructive movement in a land which has already suffered so much through division, invasion and corruption.
